Government ignores noise, favours private helipads
The Maharashtra government is firm on its policy to allow helipads atop residential buildings despite opposition from environment activists.
Principal Secretary (Urban Development) T C Benjamin said, “We have taken a policy decision as we feel helipads will help in quicker mobility and also during emergencies. We have issued a notification on the new rules. We have taken care of environment concerns. A no-objection clearance from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been made mandatory. MPCB will also inspect the proposed site and measure noise levels there.”
But environmentalists have not given up. On Tuesday, at a meeting of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), activist Sumaira Abdulali demanded that the government refuse permission to a helipad atop Sea Wind building at Cuffe Parade, residence of the Ambanis, saying it will increase noise levels in the area.
Cuffe Parade falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone and MCZMA clearance is required for construction projects in the area.
Abdulali has also initiated an online petition against the government policy on private helipads. “Nowhere in the world are private helipads allowed in residential areas. Noise level of helicopters exceed 100-110 decibel, which is much higher than the permissible limit in residential areas. The government policy will benefit only a few, but such helipads will affect the health of a large number of persons,” she explained.
Swarn Kohli of Nariman Point Churchgate Residents’ Association too opposed the plan saying private helipads will be a source of noise and nuisance.
Sources said MCZMA has cleared the Sea Wind helipad, but the government is tight-lipped.
Environment Secretary Valsa Nair Singh said, “We have heard suggestions and objections. The minutes of the meeting have not yet been finalised.”
Environmentalists are still protesting the helipad atop Sea Wind building in Cuffe Parade, residence of the Ambanis